Language and Literature paper by Kerekes, Judit
College of Staten Island (CSI) City University of New York

The Forgotten Author, Julianna Zsigray

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Julianna Zsigray [1903-1987] was a prolific and a very popular author in Hungary before WWII. She published over two dozen novels and was an established person in the Hungarian literary scene. Her early works were publishes in the prestigious NYUGAT periodical, suggesting that she was accepted by her contemporaries. During the period, from 1931 to 1948, she published a novel almost every year, and the books enjoyed great popularity. In 1944 she was persecuted for her anti-German behavior, however during the Communist dictatorship, her censorship continued and she was not allowed to be published. After the 1956 revolution, she was able to publish some works but only with great difficulty. The generation, which grew up the decades after WWII did not have a chance to become acquainted with Zsigray's books and she became a "Forgotten Author". Today she is not recognized among the Hungarian literary personages. What we face with, in this case, is not singular in our example. There are many "Forgotten Authors" in Hungarian history and maybe it is time to review the works of those writers?


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Judit Kerekes is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the City University of New York College of Staten Island. She has published extensively on the educational aspects of mathematics and she was a co-author of two books on the same topic. She also lectured and presented numerous papers on education and has been involved in teaching in Hungarian Schools within the community. Kerekes is the niece of Julianna Zsigray, who is the subject of her talk.